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Downtown
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Local timeIndian/Chagos
CurrencyUSD
Coordinates-7.2623°, 72.3768°
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Airports
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Getting around
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Useful local apps
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Transport & scooters
Organic Maps
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Climate throughout the year
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NASA POWER · Historical climateThe following FCDO guidance is for British citizen passport holders. Rules for your nationality may differ; check the destination embassy or official portal before travel.
This information may change at any time. Check the official source before travel; its latest notice takes precedence.
Visas & entry
Read the official text in English
FCDO · Source ↗
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in British Indian Ocean Territory set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the British Indian Ocean Territory administration.
Restricted access
The British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination. There are no commercial flights, access is restricted and you need a permit before you travel.
Passport validity requirements
To enter the British Indian Ocean Territory, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Yachting permit requirements
Yacht crews must have a mooring permit to enter the British Indian Ocean Territory and make safe passage through the Indian Ocean (outer islands only).
Applying for a mooring permit
You must apply for a mooring permit at least 6 weeks in advance and have proof of appropriate travel insurance. Read guidance on applying for a mooring permit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Crown copyright. Source: FCDO / GOV.UK.
Source updated: 2024-04-08 · Data retrieved: 2026-10-28
Customs, restrictions & taxes
Use the official customs guidance for prohibited and restricted goods, medicines, cash declarations, allowances and entry taxes. Do not rely on a general allowance without checking your circumstances.
Embassies & consulates
Read the official text in English
FCDO · Source ↗
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
British Indian Ocean Territory is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy. The British Indian Ocean Territory administration based in London provides assistance for British nationals.
Emergency services in British Indian Ocean Territory
If you are in a life-threatening situation, declare it as a maritime emergency. Authorities will consider all reasonable assistance. You can contact:
- British Indian Ocean Territory authorities in Diego Garcia by radio on 2.182MHz HF SSB or VHF
- British Indian Ocean Territory police station on +246 370 29 38
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Crown copyright. Source: FCDO / GOV.UK.
Source updated: 2024-04-08 · Data retrieved: 2026-10-28
Official travel advice
Read the official text in English
FCDO · Source ↗
British Indian Ocean Territory is a British Overseas Territory. Access is restricted. The British Indian Ocean Territory administration based in London has more information.
Travel insurance
If you are granted permission to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Get travel advice updates
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Follow FCDO:
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Crown copyright. Source: FCDO / GOV.UK.
Source updated: 2024-04-08 · Data retrieved: 2026-10-28
FCDO · Official travel advice · British Indian Ocean Territory ↗
GeoNames · CC BY 4.0 · 2026-05-24